SMMA 87

Chapter 87

What Perkuntla had intended to do was an element transformation.
Among spirits, it was a kind of trick used to display one’s powerful strength.
The method was simple: turn one element into another.
It sounded simple, but was anything but.
Fire into ice.
Ice into lightning.
Lightning into darkness.
An experienced mage would know how astonishing it was to change an existing element into another.
It was far easier to summon a new element than to arbitrarily transform one that already existed—the difficulty was dramatically higher.

Moreover, this was an element summoned by a mage.
If possible, it meant you could take complete control over an opponent’s fireball, transform it into an ice spear, and send it back.
That was proof of strong power, showing the ability to directly interfere with the elemental concept embedded in a spell…

……

With failure, there was no proof at all. Ihan and Yoener were now whispering seriously to each other about what Perkuntla had just done.

“Were they trying to show lightning?”

“Lightning…? It was quite an impressive lightning bolt, but what does that have to do with summoning the flame element?”

“Maybe they wanted to contrast the power of lightning—if a lightning bolt strikes atop a flame, the flame bursts and…”

“Is that it? Doesn’t seem very effective.”

See? This lightning is my power.

Perkuntla quickly changed the story.
Even so, they had pride; to admit failure in front of young mages was unthinkable.

At the spirit’s words, Ihan and Yoener nodded.

“So you really just meant to show lightning.”

“Still think summoning the flame wasn’t effective.”

“Shh. A spirit’s sense of things might be different.”

Perkuntla gnashed their teeth.
The sincere consideration of young mages made a mighty spirit even more humiliated.

Why in the world…?

Perkuntla stared at the flickering flame.
They had once seized control from far more seasoned mages and transformed their elements at will.

Yet now they couldn’t take control over a single flame created by this young mage.

‘!’

Perkuntla then noticed something odd about the flame Ihan had summoned.
On the surface, it was ordinary fire, but inside, volatile mana lay condensed, blazing yet dormant.

It was akin to a dragon’s flame, capable of changing into anything depending on the mage’s will.

Perkuntla felt a chill down their spine; it had been a long time.

Young mages often made mistakes and caused accidents.
Even with simple fire magic, they might heighten its heat beyond their own tolerance, or fail to maintain the flame’s shape, letting it explode around them.

The reason young mages could be relatively safe despite such mistakes was simply that they put very little mana into their magic.

Small mana amounts meant that even if magic ran wild, it wasn’t excessively dangerous.

But this young mage was different.

If this young mage were to lose control—by accident—and let the fire run wild?
This sealed punishment room would melt entirely, and both mages might die instantly.

Why do something so reckless…?

Cursing inwardly, Perkuntla soon realized the culprit.

…It was themselves.
They had urged the mage to gather mana, then urged again to convert it into the most destructive element.

Of course the young mage had followed the spirit’s instructions, gathering as much mana as possible and creating a highly destructive flame.

Then Perkuntla had tried to seize control of it.

And when someone tries to seize control, mages instinctively grip tighter.
The result: unconscious, massive increase in mana.

Mistake…! Should have accounted for that much mana!

Now, pride didn’t matter.
Stopping the young mage from being flustered and getting the flame canceled was paramount.

You have seen the majesty of my lightning, haven’t you?

“Yes. It was truly magnificent. So now, perhaps you could open the way…”

Only half of Ihan’s words were sincere. The other half was flattery born of wanting to get out quickly.

Perkuntla wanted to curse, but couldn’t—because the still-blazing flame was before Ihan.
Curse him → young mage gets emotionally agitated or angry → anger affects the flame → runaway flame!

Wait! I will open the way. I promise it upon my honor.

“Are you serious?”

Ihan was surprised; the spirit was kinder than expected.

He had thought they would make more fuss…

‘Well, they’re not a professor.’

Perhaps Ihan had been too harsh in his view of the spirit.

So do not be perturbed. Stay calm. Absolutely don’t be afraid. Do you understand? If you do, say you understand.

“…??”

“???”

Perkuntla had no gift for rhetoric. Ihan and Yoener immediately sensed something amiss.

‘What’s with this?’

“Is there a problem?”

No problem! None at all!

Ihan tilted his head and shifted the flame aside with his staff.
Perkuntla was so startled they almost screamed, barely holding back.

S…top swinging that staff.

“??”

Ihan wondered—was it because of the wood spirit within the staff? He lifted it to look.

Don’t swing—!… I said don’t!

Perkuntla nearly shouted, but held back. Startling the young mage was dangerous.

“Why?”

Perkuntla was truly frustrated. They wanted to explain how dangerous that flame was now.

But doing so might cause the young mages to panic, which could lead to accidents.

I… simply dislike seeing a staff waved around in front of me.

“……”

“……”

Ihan and Yoener wore sour expressions. Perkuntla could tell they thought of them as a quirky, strange spirit.

But there was no time to argue.

The longer the flame lasted, the higher the chance of runaway. Whatever it took, they had to get it cancelled.

How…?

No matter how they thought, nothing came to mind.

If they said “cancel the flame”…
Young mage asks why → emotional agitation → agitation affects flame → runaway!

I’ve changed my mind.

“???”

I will make a contract with you!

“……”

Ihan was beginning to doubt the spirit’s mental state.

‘Do they have bipolar disorder?’

True, this was hardly the moment to pick and choose—but befriending a mentally unstable spirit wasn’t desirable.

“May I ask the reason?”

Perkuntla sincerely felt like hurling a lightning bolt.

He should be grateful, not suspicious!

But there was no time; they had to convince this young mage somehow.

I see limitless potential in you!

“Huh? Based on what…?”

The clumsy praise only heightened Ihan’s caution.

Even the red-haired mage looked wary.

“Looks suspicious…”

“Right? We’ve barely talked.”

Your mana! The mana you have is monstrous beyond any other mage’s reach. You know it yourself!

“But earlier you said you don’t contract with those with much mana—especially strangers…”

That was before I knew! Now I understand! Quickly! Contract, now!

Agitated, Perkuntla urged him on. The flame could run wild at any moment.

‘They really do have bipolar…’

Ihan hesitated.

Their mental condition was dubious, but honestly, the chance to contract with a spirit was tempting.

If Pharaakis recommended them, surely they had great ability.

He didn’t know why they had refused at first and then changed their mind…

Perhaps this was the chance—when a quirky spirit temporarily softened.

“…Alright. I will make the contract.”

Wise choice. Open your soul and accept me!

Perkuntla’s words reached toward Ihan’s soul.

In that moment, Ihan learned Perkuntla’s true name.

The lightning spirit, Perkuntla!
That was the name.

‘Ah. A lightning spirit. So that’s why they’re unstable mentally?’

–Since we have contracted, your suspicion is now visible to me too! Control it!

‘Ah…’

Their souls became enmeshed with a mark.

–I recognize you as a companion. You have the right to summon me. But remember—I am not your servant, and you are not my master.

–I never thought otherwise.

–Good. Summon me with care. Even a part of me will—

Perkuntla stopped mid-sentence; mana wasn’t the concern.

–…If you summon me carelessly, you won’t be able to summon me when you truly need me.

Contracting did not mean one could summon the other at whim.

They were, above all, in a relationship of mutual respect.

Especially a proud, powerful spirit like Perkuntla—frequent summons were unacceptable.

–Don’t worry. I’ll only summon you in extraordinary circumstances.

Ihan, for his part, didn’t want to meet a mentally unstable spirit often.

Perkuntla sensed the emotion in Ihan’s words and nearly cursed, but refrained.

Something more urgent remained.

Now that the contract is complete, I will show you my power!

“What will you do?”

This!

Perkuntla shouted and entered Ihan’s arm.

Then, with all their strength, they seized control of the flame.

Quickly cancel that flame! Dispel it!

“??”

Contrary to Perkuntla’s concern, Ihan easily dissipated the mana and canceled the flame.

Only then could Perkuntla let out a sigh of relief.

You…! Do you understand how dangerous that was, foolish young mage?!

Panting and angry, Perkuntla startled both mages.

Even in his surprise, Yoener asked a pointed question.

“But… you were the one who told him to gather mana and transform it into the most destructive element, weren’t you?”

……

‘They’re speechless.’

‘Speechless indeed.’

Ihan and Yoener could tell Perkuntla had nothing to say.

Either way, never do that! It’s truly dangerous!! This punishment room could have melted entirely!

The spirit’s warning was heartfelt.

Through it, Ihan realized how dangerous things had just been.

As Professor Garcia had warned, flame magic might still be too early for Ihan.

Just paid a visit to the underworld.

Garcia hadn’t warned him for nothing. Uncontrolled flame magic could kill its caster.

Ihan resolved never again to recklessly pack mana into a spell.

Now you understand. Remember—no matter how great your talent, it’s meaningless if you’re controlled by it…

“Wait. If you hadn’t told me to gather mana, none of this danger would have happened.”

Ihan pointed out again.

Had Perkuntla not given that instruction, both would have been safe.

Trying to bypass the point wouldn’t work on Ihan.

“Since we’ve contracted, may I ask—why did you tell me to gather mana and transform the element?”

I will open the way. Look—there’s the exit. What do you think?

The wall opened and stairs appeared, but Ihan wasn’t swayed.

He was quite curious.

Cornered, Perkuntla threw out whatever came to mind.

You young mages! The sun’s already rising outside—aren’t you going to attend class?

“!”

“!!!”

Ihan and Yoener were stunned.

Friday morning meant the lecture of <Basic Imperial Geometry and Arithmetic>